2XKO Hopes to Revolutionize Tag-Team fighting Games

Riot Games’ highly anticipated 2XKO (formerly Project L) is set to revolutionize the tag-team fighting game genre. This article explores its innovative tag-team mechanics and the recently available playable demo.

Reimagining Tag-Team Combat

Duo Play: A Four-Player Experience

Demonstrated at EVO 2024 (July 19-21), 2XKO introduces Duo Play, a unique twist on the traditional 2v2 format. Instead of one player controlling both characters, two players team up, each controlling a champion. This creates exciting 2v2 matches with four players total. Each team consists of a Point character and an Assist character. The developers even showcased the possibility of 2v1 matches.

The Assist character, while not directly controlling the Point character, plays a crucial role through three key mechanics:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can summon the Assist for powerful special moves.
• Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist characters instantly swap roles.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can intervene to break up enemy combos.

Unlike some tag fighters where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated before a round concludes. Even defeated champions can still act as Assists.

Strategic Synergy with Fuses

Beyond character selection, 2XKO introduces "Fuses"—team-based synergy options that dramatically alter gameplay. The demo featured five Fuses:

• PULSE: Rapid button presses unleash devastating combos.
• FURY: Below 40% health, increased damage and special dash cancel.
• FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in quick succession.
• DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate moves with your partner's.
• 2X ASSIST: Grants the Assist character multiple assist actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago described the Fuse system on Twitter (X) as a way to "amplify player expression" and enable powerful combos, particularly for well-coordinated duos.

Champion Roster and Alpha Playtest

The playable demo showcased six League of Legends champions: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with unique movesets. While Jinx and Katarina were shown in earlier materials, they're not included in the Alpha Lab Playtest but are confirmed for future inclusion.

2XKO, a free-to-play title launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025, is currently accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19). Further details on the playtest and registration are available [link to article]. This is a great opportunity to experience the innovative gameplay of 2XKO firsthand.